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Which stereo amp to try under $30k

Having just made several upgrades to my system, it's now time for the amp. Given the number of amps in the 15-30k range, I'm guessing many of you have experiences with them. To get started, I'll tell you my (1) my guidance (2) my current list of options (3) My current setup. Looking forward to getting more options on my list, as I'd like to pull the trigger in about 2 months and need to start listening.

My Guidance
- Under $30k
- I need to be able to hear the amp before purchase, preferably at a local shop (SF Bay Area)
- New or used ok
- Large sound stage
- Bass
- More Bass... all the bass
- Very much prefer stereo to fit in my rack. I have small children and not enough room for monos.
- Prefer not tubes (already have a tube line stage - too hot for small children and don't fit in rack)
- I'm ok with a colored sound. Prefer musicality and realism over "accuracy" or "neutrality"
- Needs an absolute minimum of 150W based on how loud I listen
- 15/20A or something I can plug into a regular wall outlet

My Current List of options
- Luxman M900u (current top of list)
- Ayre VX-R Twenty
- Pass Labs XA160.8 (doesn't meet all of my guidance)
- Boulder 2160 (a little above budget)
- Audio Research 160S (doesn't meet all of my guidance)

My Current Setup
- AMG Viella Turbo Turntable w/ Koetsu Onyx Platinum Cartridge
- Boulder 508 Phono Stage
- Mytek Manhattan II DAC (next upgrade after the amp - maybe a dCS Bartok?)
- Audio Research Reference 6 line stage
- McIntosh MC452 power amplifier
- B&W 802D3 speakers
- AudioQuest and Nordost cabling or a Symposium Osiris rack

What I listen to: Anything from the 60s on vinyl, some things from the 70s on vinyl. A lot of large orchestral and jazz, also a fair amount of pop, from any decade, on vinyl and digital. Thanks for reading my long post! I'll keep this thread updated with amps I hear. Lots of great shops in the area. My two favorites are The Analog Room in Campbell and Music Lovers Audio in Oakland and SF.
mayoradamwest
eziggy
137 posts
 
Sadly working with local dealers is a hit or miss I have realized as well.  Sometimes reaching out to distributors help as well.  The good ones will help you figure out a way to try them at home.

If you like the the Gryphon, as mentioned before, I would see if you could try out Vitus as well (if you haven't already).  Their higher end Class A amps are very well regarded. Not as well known yet in the US but has a big following internationally.  They have a new distributor and opened up a service center in CA.

I have been speaking to the distributor to arrange for a in-home demo of the RI-101 integrated.
zprr
306 posts
 
Agree a dealer’s attitude can totally change things.
Was it $250 to have them bring the amp down to your home for a demo or for in store?  If the latter, that would be quite strange...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,737 posts
 
then I would stick with the guys in Berkley and make Chez Panise a must visit ;-) Drop the $250 audition fee there on a leisurely lunch..

have fun, enjoy the search
ps
770 posts
 
@zprrI 
I was quoted $250 by local dealer for him to send a tech to my home with the amplifier I was interested in at the time, set it up, and give me a couple of days to audition. It seemed quite reasonable to me.

No dealer in his/her right mind would charge for an in-store!
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I maybe would have understood for an in-home trial, yes! But this was literally for what he said was “an hour of their time in a dedicated room in their shop”. I was blown away. Why does anyone shop there? I read the Yelp reviews and it seems like I’m not the only one with this experience. Avoid! Not sure how else I would try out the Gryphon. Will stick to Luxman and Boulder for in-home.(less interested in the Ayre)
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